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Simvastatin reduces lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human monocyte–derived macrophages through inhibition of the mevalonate–geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate–RhoA-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21052011     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)), which is produced primarily by macrophages and is predominately found in the blood and in atherosclerotic plaques, represents a potentially promising target for combating atherosclerosis. Although statins are known to decrease the levels and activity of circulating and plaque Lp-PLA(2) during atherosclerosis, little is known regarding the mechanisms underlying inhibition of Lp-PLA(2) by statins. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanisms responsible for inhibition of Lp-PLA(2) by statins. Our results showed that treatment with simvastatin inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced increases in Lp-PLA(2) expression and secreted activity in human monocyte–derived macrophages in a dose- and time-dependent manner. These effects could be reversed by treatment with mevalonate or geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP), but not by treatment with squalene or farnesyl pyrophosphate. Treatment with the Rho inhibitor C3 exoenzyme also inhibited LPS-induced increases in Lp-PLA(2) expression and secreted activity, mimicking the effects of simvastatin. In addition, treatment with simvastatin blocked LPS-induced activation of RhoA, which could be abolished by treatment with GGPP. Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), but not extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 or Jun N-terminal kinase, suppressed LPS-induced increases in Lp-PLA(2) expression and secreted activity, similar to the effects of simvastatin. Treatment of human monocyte–derived macrophages with either simvastatin or C3 exoenzyme prevented LPS-induced activation of p38 MAPK, which could be abolished by treatment with GGPP. Together, these results suggest that simvastatin reduces Lp-PLA(2) expression and secreted activity in LPS-stimulated human monocyte–derived macrophages through the inhibition of the mevalonate–GGPP–RhoA-p38 MAPK pathway. These observations provide novel evidence that statins have pleiotropic effects and suggest that inhibition of Lp-PLA(2) via this mechanism may account, at least in part, for the clinical benefit of statins in combating atherosclerosis.
Authors:
Jun-Xian Song; Jing-Yi Ren; Hong Chen
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology     Volume:  57     ISSN:  1533-4023     ISO Abbreviation:  J. Cardiovasc. Pharmacol.     Publication Date:  2011 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-05-02     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  7902492     Medline TA:  J Cardiovasc Pharmacol     Country:  United States    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  213-22     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Department of Cardiology, Peking University People’s Hospital, No. 11 Xizhimen South St, Xicheng District, Beijing 100044, China.
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